Dog bites don’t just happen in the summer; they are a year-round risk in sunny California, including Stockton. However, the incidences of dog bites climb sharply during the summer months. Understanding why this happens, what to do if you or a loved one is bitten, and how an experienced dog bite attorney can help protect your health and legal rights.
Learn more about our Stockton Dog Bite Attorney Services.
Why an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney Makes a Difference
Dog bite cases can be surprisingly complex. Laws vary by state and locality; insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts. An experienced dog bite attorney understands the nuances of local dog bite statutes and can objectively assess your case.
When you hire an attorney to handle your dog bite injury claim, you can expect the attorney to shoulder a significant portion of the responsibilities, including:
- Conduct an investigation, interview witnesses, and collect documentation
- Request medical reports, including information about the severity and long-term consequences of injuries
- Explain the complexities of insurance policies to you and negotiate with insurance companies
- Advocate for your rights so you win everything you deserve
Reasons for the Summertime Spike in Dog Bites
Multiple factors contribute to the seasonal surge in dog bites:
- Increased Outdoor Activities: Summer means more time spent in parks, at the beach, and backyard gatherings. Both people and dogs are outdoors more often, leading to more interactions and more opportunities for bites.
- Unsupervised children: In the summer, when many children are on vacation, they often have more time to play outside, roam around neighborhoods, and visit friends’ homes, where they may encounter dogs who do not know them.
- Heat-Related Dog Aggression: Dogs do not like the heat. When they are uncomfortable, they are more likely to become agitated and easily provoked. This leads to unpredictable behavior, even for dogs who have never shown aggression toward humans.
- Crowded areas: Gatherings in parks, rivers, and lakes can get crowded in the summer. An over-stimulated dog can quickly become overwhelmed in a sea of people (and possibly, other dogs) they do not know.
Key Rights and Legal Standards that Protect Dog Bite Victims in California
A number of California dog bite laws work to the victim’s benefit. A skilled dog bite attorney can make all the difference.
- Strict Liability: Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is automatically liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or while the victim is on private property with permission. This is true even if the dog has no prior signs of aggression.
- Negligence Does Not Need to Be Proven: Victims do not have to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. The mere fact of the bite, under the right circumstances, is enough to establish liability.
- Who Can File a Dog Bite Claim: Dog bite laws protect anyone bitten in a public place or lawfully on private property, including guests, workers, and delivery personnel. Trespassers and certain professionals (like veterinarians during treatment) may not be covered
If You Can’t Find the Dog or Owner
If a stray dog bites you or you cannot immediately identify the animal’s owner, the following actions can help your claim:
- Check with neighbors or bystanders to see if anyone recognizes the dog.
- Take note of all details you can remember about the dog’s appearance or behavior and write them down. There’s a good chance the dog may be known to animal control officers for past incidences of aggression
- Remember that Rabies and other diseases are serious, even if the bite is minor. A stray dog is not likely to have current immunizations, so you may need preventive treatment.
- Consult a dog bite attorney, even if the dog is a stray. An attorney can help investigate whether someone (such as a property owner or the person supposed to be in charge of the dog) can be held liable.
Dog bites are not just painful; they can have devastating emotional effects, especially for children. Dog bites should be taken seriously, and you should not suffer if someone else’s dog hurts you. An experienced dog bite attorney can be your best ally by protecting your health and rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultation, No Upfront Fees with an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney in Stockton
If you’ve been injured by a dog, regardless of the severity, call Eason & Tambornini. We offer a free consultation during which you can ask questions and learn about your rights and options.
Call (209) 323-5126 to schedule a free consultation today and spend the rest of your summer knowing your rights are protected.